Start with the right cleaning brief in St John’s Wood

Only if the building’s policy and the porter’s duties allow it. A concierge may provide entry or release an authorised key without taking responsibility for the work inside your home. Confirm arrangements directly, give the provider their own clear brief and nominate a reachable contact. Do not expect reception staff to approve extra tasks, inspect results or manage household valuables.

Name the room and object clearly, photograph its position if useful and state whether the cleaner should work around it or skip the entire surface. Remove small portable valuables yourself. Share the list with the booking contact and attending team, not only reception. A concise written exclusion is safer than expecting someone to recognise which object is valuable or fragile.

It should not be assumed. Height, fragility, electrical fittings, crystals and safe access all require assessment. A domestic cleaner may dust a simple reachable fitting from floor level if agreed, but should not climb furniture or dismantle components. Valuable or high chandeliers need an appropriately insured specialist following safe isolation and the maker’s or conservator’s care requirements.

Ask management. Some buildings permit routine visitors to use it freely; others require a reservation, protective coverings, identification or a specific access route. Provide the cleaner with the confirmed procedure and enough time for sign-in. If the service lift is unavailable, do not assume the passenger lift or stairs are acceptable alternatives for equipment without checking first.

Identify the stone and any sealant if known, plus products prohibited by the installer. Acidic descalers can etch marble, so limescale cannot be approached like ordinary ceramic tile. Show existing dull patches, chips or staining before work begins. Ask for a stone-safe maintenance method, and refer polishing, stain removal or resealing to a suitable specialist.

Not as an automatic task. Different metals, plating, lacquer and patina require different methods, and valuable pieces may need specialist care. Ordinary cleaning can work around them or lightly dust only as agreed. If polishing is requested, identify each item, obtain the owner’s permission and confirm suitable products; otherwise remove portable pieces from the working surface.

Choose one authorised person to hand over the same written priorities, exclusions and security instructions agreed at booking. Clarify who can approve extra time or change room access. Avoid separate verbal lists from several staff members. The cleaner should know where equipment may be placed, which entrance to use and whom to contact if an instruction conflicts with the written scope.

Only if their use and dust levels justify it within the available hours. Many households protect kitchens, bathrooms and occupied rooms every time and rotate formal dining or reception spaces. Agree how often floors, reachable surfaces and internal glass need attention. A documented rotation prevents an unused room from consuming time needed in spaces used daily while keeping it presentable.

Do not expect it. Weight, weak joints, floor protection and uncertain construction make movement risky. Arrange specialist movers or have authorised household staff reposition the piece before cleaning if access beneath it is essential. The cleaner can work around accessible edges and should record the exclusion. Never use an antique chair or table as access equipment for another task.

Ask for evidence of relevant public liability cover and whether employees, subcontractors and key loss are covered where applicable. Building management may set its own contractor requirements, so obtain those before booking. Check dates and limits rather than relying on a general statement. Insurance supports, but does not replace, careful key handling, material notes and secure visitor procedures.

Use a clear written scope and nominate a trusted local contact who can inspect promptly, or request agreed completion photographs that avoid personal and security information. State the deadline for reporting concerns in advance. Reception can confirm departure but may not inspect. Keep maintenance defects separate from cleaning omissions and ensure nobody enters to unpack or work before the review.

Yes, where the provider accepts the contents and scope, but furniture adds access, dusting and care questions. Send the inventory, identify valuable or specialist items and remove personal possessions. Ask what can be moved, what remains untouched and whether upholstery treatment is separate. Cleaning cannot correct scratches, sun fading, worn finishes or damage recorded during the tenancy.